The Palestine Chronology

The IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian involved in a traffic altercation with an IDF jeep nr. Jenin; occupies 2 medical clinics in Nablus, firing fr. the facilities on stone-throwing Palestinians, killing 1 Palestinian; fires on 3 Palestinians allegedly attempting to infiltrate the Israeli border fence in the Negev, killing 1 Palestinian (2 others escape); fatally beats a 17-yr.-old Palestinian for violating the curfew in Hebron; demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Dura; denies an ailing Palestinian woman passage through a checkpoint to a clinic, allowing her to die; conducts arrest raids nr. Tulkarm. Israeli courts sentence an Israeli Arab taxi driver to 15 yrs. for driving 2 suicide bombers to Tel Aviv, an East Jerusalem Palestinian to 6 yrs. for providing Palestinian militants with information used to carry out attacks on Israelis. (HA, JTA 12/30; NYT, WP, WT 12/31; LAW, PCHR, WP 1/1; NYT 1/2; PRCS press release 1/5)

The Israeli Central Elections Comm. decides to follow Atty. Gen. Rubinstein’s 2/19 advice to disqualify Israeli Arab MK Ahmad Tibi (Ta’al) fr. running in 1/03 elections on the grounds that he does not support the Jewish character of the State of Israel, supports armed attacks against it (a charge he denies); turns down a similar request to bar MK `Abd al-Malik Dahamshe and his United Arab List; rules that Herut mbr. Baruch Marzel, the fmr. head of the outlawed Kach movement who placed 2d on Herut’s slate of MK candidates, can participate in the 1/28 elections. The Knesset bans mbrs. of Kach, which advocates the deportation of Arabs fr. Israel and the occupied territories, from holding parliamentary office. (HA 12/30, 12/31; ADL, HA, MM 1/2; DUS 1/2 in WNC 1/3; MA 1/3 in WNC 1/6; WT 1/8; JPI, NYT 1/10)

A day before Israeli elections, 2 minor candidates--Center party's Yitzhak Mordechai, Herut's Benjamin Begin--withdraw fr. the race for PM, fearing their campaigns undermine efforts to unseat incumbent PM Benjamin Netanyahu. (NYT, WP, WT 5/16; MM 5/17; al-Ahram 5/18 in WNC 5/19)

On the 2d day of his visit aimed at improving bilateral relations and regional security, Iranian pres. Mohamed Khatami meets with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdallah. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/17; MEI 5/21) (see 5/15)

Kuwait's cabinet gives women the right to vote, run for parliament as of 2003. The decision must be approved by the new parliament elected in 7/99. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/17; MM 5/19, 5/27; NYT 6/18)

Israel leaks to the media, condemns a 3/1 confidential note verbale fr. the EU protesting Israeli FMin. orders for the EU to halt contacts with Palestinian officials in Jerusalem. (MM, Prime Minister's Report 3/15; WJW 3/18; JP 3/19; WP 3/20; MEI 3/26)

In Dayr Abu Mishal, n. of Jerusalem, IDF soldiers clash with Palestinians throwing stones at passing Israeli cars, shooting a 7-yr.-old Palestinian boy in the head with a rubber-coated bullet, seriously injuring him. (AFP [Internet] 3/13)

3 Israeli right-wing parties (Molodet, Herut, Tekuma) that reject any land-for-peace deal with the Palestinians agree to run in the 5/17 elections as bloc headed by fmr. Likud mbr. Benjamin Begin. (NYT, WP 3/13; JP 3/19)

Israel has told Jordan it objects to any Jordanian-Iraqi military cooperation. Israeli military source expresses concern that "a military alliance . .. is being set up against us" (cf. 2/20) [HAD 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

5 Knesset members announce reestablishment of Likud faction Liberal Party, which had previously merged with Herut movement [JDS 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

High-level Palestinian delegation, sent by Yasir Arafat, arrives in Beirut to meet with Gen. Michel Aoun and Samir Geagea [MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21].

Under pressure from Arab gov'ts., Soviet Union rejects U.S. appeal to allow direct flights for Soviet Jews from Moscow to Tel Aviv [NYT 2/20].

Soviet ambassador to Cairo, Gennadiy Zhuravlev, has stressed USSR readiness to host Israeli-Palestinian talks; denies this undermines Egypt's role [RYF 2/19 in FBIS 2/28].

Israeli air force bombs DFLP bases near Kfar Jarah, 4 miles east of Sidon in Lebanon; one person reported killed [LAT 2/ 20; IDF 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Prime Minister Shamir threatens to resign if Herut Central Committee approves no confidence vote in wake of election proposal [FBIS 5/17]. Public opinion poll shows that Israelis think Ariel Sharon "is the Israeli figure best suited to deal with the intifadah" [FBIS 5/19].

Arab World: Hasan II invites Egypt to participate in upcoming Arab summit [FBIS 5/17]. PLO Chairman Arafat offers to name Palestinian government composed of residents of O.T. [WP 5/18]. Egypt rejects Israel's plan for elections in O.T., reiterates call for international conference [FBIS 5/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jenin Palestinian is shot, killed [FBIS 5/17]. Troops shoot, wound at least 5 Palestinians in Gaza [FBIS 5/18]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: ABC News accuses Shin Bet of impersonating ABC News crew in order to arrest a suspected firebomber [WP 7/7]. Herut chooses its list for the fall Knesset elections; Shamir is first, followed by David Levy, Ariel Sharon, Moshe Arens [NYT 7/7]. All schools on the W. Bank are ordered to remain closed until 7/11. The European parliament postpones decision on a trade agreement between Israel and the European Economic Community [FJ 7/10].

Other Countries: In Pakistan 5 Palestinians are sentenced to death for 1986 hijacking of Pan American 747 resulting in death of 21 people; 200 were wounded [NYT 7/7].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers assist tax collectors in setting up check points to see if drivers, pedestrians have paid taxes; 250 Palestinians are arrested, 150 cars are seized [FJ 7/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Six-month jail terms and fines of $2500 are given to four Israeli activists who met with members of the PLO in 1984 [WP 7/1]. Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli ambassador to the UN, Benjamin Begin, son of the former prime minister, and Labor Minister Moshe Katzav take the first three positions on the Herut list for the fall elections in preliminary vote [WP 7/1].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A 20-year-old Palestinian who was shot during clash in Bayt Furik two-weeks earlier dies [FJ 7/3]. According to Israel Radio, troops used tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes with demonstrators at the funeral in Nablus of a man who suffocated in clashes on 6/29 [FJ 7/3]. In Gaza City troops arrest 50 after firebomb hits military vehicle [FJ 7/3]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Commercial strike continues in E. Jerusalem. Stores open in Gaza City [WP 1/27]. Shopowners heed call of Unified National Command for the Uprising in the Occupied Territories, strike in many W. Bank cities and towns [LAT 1/27]. Trials of Gazans arrested during uprising slow to "standstill" as scores of defendants demand full hearings [FBIS 1/27]. Moshe 'Amirav leaves Herut Movement after being removed from its central com. [FBIS 1/27]. Israeli authorities order al-Fajr's Gaza office closed for 1 year [FJ 1/3 1]. Hebron U. reopens after 1-month military-ordered closure [FJ 1/31].

Arab World: In Beirut, Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine says fate of 4 Beirut University College professors it is holding hostage is linked to Israeli arrests of Palestinians inoccupied territories [WP 1/27].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. announces Sec. of State Shultz will meet with al-Fajr editor Hanna Siniora and Gaza attorney Fayiz Abu Rahmah. Egypt's Pres. Husni Mubarak arrives in Washington for 3-day official visit. Elyakim Rubinstein, Israeli cabinet sec., holds talks with Charles Hill, aide to Sec. of State Shultz [NYT 1/27].

Military Action Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops open fire on demonstrators in Gaza Strip's Jenin refugee camp, wounding 1. Curfew on Jabalya is lifted but reimposed after crowds throw Molotov cocktails at Israeli patrol [WP 1/27; FJ 1/31]. In the West Bank, military imposes curfews on village of Qabatiyyah and Jenin camp following violent demonstrations. Curfews imposed on Tulkarm and Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta are lifted; military lifts curfew on Balata, declares camp closed military zone. Sa'ir village remains under siege and nearby village of al-Shuyukh is also blockaded. Israeli troops use rubber bullets to disperse stone-throwing crowd in Jalazun refugee camp, injuring 1; another Jalazun resident is severely beaten. Curfew is imposed on camp. Demonstrations are also reported in al-Birah and Ramallah [FJ 1/31].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes stage mock raids over Sidon, drawing anti-aircraft fire [FBIS 1/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Kol Ha'Ir reports Herut Central Com. member Moshe Amirav has been holding secret meetings with Faysal Husayni, BZU Professor Sari Nusaybah, and al-Sha'b editor Salah Zuhaykah [FJ 9/27].

Arab World: PLO and Amal representatives announce agreement to end 3-year-long battle. PLO will give up posts near Sidon captured 10 months ago; Amal will halt siege of Palestinian refugee camps in Beirut and S. Lebanon [NYT 9/12; WP 9/13].

Other Countries: Israel confirms former ambassador to U. S. Meir Rosenne will serve as legal counsel to Israeli government in negotiations between U. S. and Israel to resolve Pollard spy case [WP 9/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Herut party ends convention after electing P. M. Shamir party chairman, Ariel Sharon chairman of the party central committee, Moshe Arens party secretary, and David Levy deputy party chairman [NYT 3/31]. Inside the green line, marches and rallies in 'Arrabah, Umm al-Fahm, and Rahat mark Land Day [FJ 4/3]. Israeli forces are unsuccessful in attempt to break almost total commercial strikes in cities throughout the W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 4/3]. Lydda military court sentences to life imprisonment 2 Palestinians convicted of being members of Fateh and carrying out a series of bombings [FJ 4/3]. Israeli Ministry of Defense coordinator of activities for W. Bank and Gaza, Shmuel Goren, threatens imposition of strict restrictions on exports to Jordan if weapon smuggling continues [FJ 4/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At least 1 Palestinian is wounded by army gunfire during Land Day demonstration at Jabaliyyah; in Janin another is shot in the leg by Israeli civilian who shot at crowd that was stoning his car [BG 3/31; FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Herut party meeting, P. M. Shamir is elected chairman, vows W. Bank and Gaza will remain under Israeli control "forever" [PI, NYT 3/30]. Col. Sella, indicted by U.S. for his role in Pollard case, resigns as commander of Tel Nof Air Base [WP 3/30]. Delegation of British Labor party members meets with Shihadah al-Minawi, leader of Palestinian Labor Federation, in Nablus [FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: During negotiations to heal rift in Herut party following convention, Ariel Sharon proposed that party posts be split three ways between Yitzhak Shamir, David Levy, and Sharon; Shamir and Levy reject the proposal. (Sharon currently controls only 15% of the party) [NWK 3/31].

Other Countries: P. M. Peres arrives in U.S. for 4-day visit [CSM, LT 4/1]. Peres is seeking support for his "Marshall Plan," whereby the 7 main industrialized nations would put together an aid package to help the pro-Western Arab states overcome the potentially disastrous effects of the drop in oil prices [DT, LT 4/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops kill 1 Palestinian youth in al-Burayj refugee camp, injure 3 others while quelling several Palestinian nationalist demonstrations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, according to an army spokesman [NYT, LT, MG, WP 4/1; JP 4/2].

Arab World: Fighting continues between Palestinian and Shi'ite fighters around Sabra and Shatila refugee camps [WP 4/1]. Sixteen have been killed, 62 wounded [DT 4/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Defense Ministry's coordinator of occupied territories affairs, Shmuel Goren, leaves for U.S. in effort to raise $500 million for Israeli scheme to "improve the quality of life" in the West Bank and Gaza; Palestinians oppose the objective of the trip, calling it a "prelude to autonomy" [FJ 3/21]. Ariel Sharon begins to mediate between Yitzhak Shamir and David Levy, rivals for control of the Herut party [NYT, TS 3/17].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. Counselor Edward Derwinski, returning from trip related to refugee affairs, states Palestinians displaced in the Arab-Israeli wars are "permanent refugees" and should be absorbed by the Arab world [JP 3/16; JTA 3/17]. Americans for a Safe Israel holds 1986 national conference [JW 3/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Herut party convention ends in chaos and intra-party violence; no new party chairman is named [JTA 3/13; NYT 3/14]. Foreign Ministry expresses official dissatisfaction with Egypt's report on Ras Burqa massacre [JP 3/14].

Other Countries: Hanna Siniora, editor of al-Fajr newspaper, states during visit to Washington, D.C. he is exploring possibility of an international conference without preconditions, in which individual Palestinians would be part of a single Arab delegation [JTA 3/13]. Pakistani Pres. Zia al-Haq urges PLO to recognize Israel's right to exist, supports peace plans put forward by King Fahd and King Hussein UP 3/14]. U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy ends visit to Tunis, Cairo, and Jerusalem with no significant progress made [JP 3/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy meets in Jerusalem with Israeli Foreign Minister Shamir and Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin [JTA 3/13]. Ariel Sharon defeats Binyamin Begin, son of Menachem Begin, in election for key position in the Herut party convention [NYT, BG 3/13]. Begin supports Yitzhak Shamir, who faces opposition from Ariel Sharon and David Levy in the struggle for party control [JTA 3/13].

Arab World: Egypt gives Israel a report on the Ras Burqa massacre in which 7 Israelis were shot dead by an Egyptian security man last October [JP 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Some 50 Palestinians held in detention for suspected antiIsrael activities have been released because of overcrowding; some 200 Palestinians were arrested following assassination of Zafir al-Masri; 20 are still being held on suspicion of links with the PFLP. Over 60 Golan Heights Druze have been arrested following P.M. Peres' visit to the area [LT 3/10]. Five leading black American university officials visit Israel in pilot project aimed at creating an academic bond between their institutions in the American south and Hebrew University in Jerusalem [JTA 3/11]. Violence breaks out between participants at Herut party convention over struggle for chairmanship of the party [BG 3/11].

Arab World: An Iraqi deputy foreign minister reportedly recently met with Israeli Ambassador to the UN Binyamin Netanyahu, on Iraq's initiative, to seek advice on Iranian army's capabilities and intentions; Israeli Foreign Ministry officials deny the reports [JP 3/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian resident of Balata refugee camp is shot and killed after he refused to stop and identify himself, military spokesman says [LAT 3/11; LT 3/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Fifteenth Herut party convention opens in Jerusalem [JTA, WP, BG 3/10].

Military Action

Arab World: One Israeli soldier, 2 unidentified Arab militiamen are killed in clash in S. Lebanon; 5 other Israelis wounded [WP, PI 3/10; JP 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Pol of Israelis (excluding kibbutz residents, settlers) indicates 43.5% oppose any territorial compromise as part of peace process, 33.6% support partial compromise, 16.6% would return entire W. Bank; same poll indicates 63.3% favor immediate withdrawal from S. Lebanon [JTA 4/10]. Herut party Betar youth movement holds ceremony in Hebron marking opening of Betar office at Tel Rumeida; IDF forbade [4/8] holding of ceremony at Tel Rumeida itself [JP 4/10].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: IDF planes bomb alleged Popular Struggle Front base in Shamlan; 4 killed, 4 wounded. IDF seal Tyre; over 25 arrested [NYT, PI 4/10]. 16-yr. -old Sana Mheidleh drives explosives-laden car into IDF position at Bater al-Shouf, killing herself and 2 Israelis; 2 others wounded [PI 4/10]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF open al-Far'a prison to foreign journalists, deny 1/30 allegations of torture made by Intl. Commission of Jurists, but admit 2 cases of abuse occurred in the past [WP 4/9]. Body of 21-yr.-old IDF soldier found near Beit Ayre settlement; apparently victim of political violence [LAT 4/9]. Herut party youth movement Betar cancels attempt to hold opening ceremonies for office on Tel Rumeida, Hebron, after IDF threaten intervention [JP 4/9]. In discussions with UN Undersec. Gen. Brian Urquhart, DM Rabin asserts Israel does not object to extention of UNIFIL mandate (due to expire 4/19) but doubts UNIFIL's usefulness in border areas [JP 4/7, 4/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Cabinet Mbr. Sharon indicates he will run for PM in 1988 elections as Herut candidate [NYT 4/6]. Striking Palestinian political prisoners at Ashkelon prison end 41-day partial hunger strike for better conditions [FJ 4/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Roadside bomb near Qasmiya bridge injures 1 IDF soldier [JP 4/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset votes to deny MK Kahane parliamentary immunity and freedom of movement [LAT 12/26]. Kahane later stopped by police from entering Arab town of Taibe [LAT 12/27]. After Police Min. Bar Lev refuses to ban march, several dozen Herut "Young Guards" converge on Iskal, village of MK Abd al-Wahab Darousha, to demand punishment for his attempt to attend PNC; villagers, Israeli activists form counter demonstration [JP 12/19]. WZO official says no new settlements will be built without "clear decision," funding by govt. [JP 12/19].

Arab World: Al-Qabas (Kuwait) reports US State Dept. official Murphy met with Palestinian "close to the PLO" during recent trip to Amman; urged "mutual recognition" between PLO, Israel as precondition for US recognitionf PLO [JP 12/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb defused opposite Israeli police HQ, E. Jerusalem [FJ 12/21].

Arab World: IDF arrests 21 villagers from Sarafand, 'Ain al-Hilweh, S. Lebanon. SLA position in Killa, S. Lebanon fired upon [JP 12/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Herut Executive mtg., FM Shamir says Reagan plan no longer exists.

Arab World: To avoid Arab criticism that they are upgrading relations with Israel, Lebanese cabinet proposes direct talks with UN-sponsored Lebanese-Israeli Mixed Armistice Commission framework; Israel refuses. Popular Palestinian Committees of al-Yarmouk camp (Damascus) cable Syrian gov't. to protest arrest campaign of camp residents in past week. Morocco refuses entry to 2 Israelis invited to attend World Conference on Poetry in Marrakesh.

Other Countries: French chrmn. of World Jewish Congress named by France to its UN delegation.

Military Action

Arab World: 3 guerrillas reported killed, 1 captured by IDF near Bater al-Chouf, Lebanon.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem's Palestinian theater and art complex Nuzha-al-Hakawati Center opens. Popular Gaza artist Fathi Ghabin sentenced to 6 mos. prison on charge of "incitement through his painting." Israeli police investigate complaint by prisoner Nasir Ibrahim of torture while imprisoned in Shefa 'Amr after arrest for demonstrating without permit during Shimon Peres visit to Kabul (4/8/84). In Bethlehem U. Student Council elections, Students' Progressive Front Bloc wins 8 seats, Youth Bloc wins 1. Jerusalem police arrest 4 American-Israeli Jews for planting at least a dozen booby-trapped grenades at churches, mosques and Arab homes in recent months; police announce these arrests wrap up "TNT" case investigations. In radio interview, Science & Development Min. Ne'eman says the 1980 car bombings of Palestinian mayors "had a positive effect." Herut elects Sharon to fourth-place position in party. 2 new settlements inaugurated: "Tel Haim" [see 3/29/30], and "Ma'aleh Levona" on Nablus-Ramallah road.

Other Countries: US State Dep't. spokesman indicates US will not support any resolution calling for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon that does not also call for secure northern border for Israel. Simon Wiesenthaler Center in New York requests papacy investigate possible Catholic Church role in sheltering former Nazi Walter Rauff, after Israeli gov't. failure to extradite him from Chile.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dep. PM Levy withdraws from Herut premiership race. 7 more suspects in attempted bus bombings (4/27/84) arrested, total of 26 in custody.

Arab World: Jordanian gov't. releases 46 political prisoners after mediation efforts by Chrmn. Arafat.

Other Countries: W. German police investigate "TNT" terrorist threats against W German factories, producing arms sold to Arab countries.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ariel Sharon announces intention to run for leadership of Herut Party and seek nomination for PMship. BZU students hold 4-hour rally protesting IDF closure of university.

Arab World: Lebanese opposition leaders meet in Damascus; remain divided over whether or not Gemayel should resign. UN HQ in Nakoura, Lebanon files complaint to IDF of S. Lebanon militias, formerly under Saad Haddad, attacking UNIFIL forces.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Katyusha rockets fired from S. Lebanon hit near Metulla within Israeli border.

Arab World: US destroyers fire into Beirut hills for second day. Roadside bombs blast personnel carrier and IDF patrol south of Tyre; IDF patrol comes under light arms fire near Nabatiya.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Encouraged by US urging to restore Egypt-Israel relations, Shafi Abdul Hamid received by Shamir. [Hamid is first ranking Egyptian diplomat to visit Israel since invasion of Lebanon.] On eve of cabinet mtg. over austerity measures, PM Shamir calls emergency mtg. for Herut members of Cabinet in unity attempt.

Arab World: Sidon port on general strike in response to Israel's occupation, recent killing of 3 and arrest of 2 local citizens. Aides in Sana'a, YAR announce Arafat approves military plan for future PLO action.

Other Countries: 13 retired US generals and admirals return from visit to Israel sponsored by B'nai Brith.

Military Action:

Fighting continues between LAF and militiamen in southern suburbs and at Souq al-Gharb and between Druze and Phalange militias in Kharroub; stray shells land near Marine base at airport.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: New Finance Minister Yigal Cohen-Otgad right-wing member of Herut party with business interests and residence in West Bank, named by Shamir.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PSP official says Druze refugees have begun to occupy homes abandoned by Christian refugees in Chouf villages as part of new civil administration policy.

US and Other Countries: Reagan appoints McFarlane as national security adviser, replacing William Clark; Marine commander in Beirut says sniper fire in past few days originates from gunmen newly arrived in area; US states officially for first time that Marines and other MNF units are the targets of attacks.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir elected to succeed Begin as leader of Herut party.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat addresses UN Conference on Palestine in Geneva.

Military Action:

Fierce fighting continues between Muslim militias and Lebanese Army throughout West Beirut; Mourabitoun occupies Union National Building, engage nearby Army garrison in rifle and RPG battle; Lebanese Army barracks at Fahr al-Deen, and positions at Murr Tower and Holiday Inn attacked; Druze militia occupies Holiday Inn; French Embassy compound hit by rockets, French convoy ambushed; British convoy attacked at Galerie Semaan crossing; Italian positions hit; 3 US Marine positions come under fire, respond with rifles, machine guns; hooded gunmen occupy points along Green Line; long-range artillery fire hits West Beirut; US aircraft carrier Eisenhower, other warships move to within 5 miles of shore.

Casualties:

4 French military personnel killed, 4 wounded in Beirut attacks; most Beirut shops closed, electrical blackouts frequent, lines form to buy bread, drinking water; 4 Ansar prisoners wounded when IDF opens fire after guards hit by stones.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin tells Likud coalition his decision to retire as PM and Herut party leader is final; process of selecting new Herut leader begins; McFarlane, in Jerusalem, obtains commitment to postpone IDF withdrawal from Chouf for few more days.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese government officials and Muslim leaders meet.

US and Other Countries: Reagan tells Congress Marines will remain in Lebanon, resists pressure to invoke provisions of War Powers Resolution requiring withdrawal of troops in 60-90 days without Congressional approval; White House says US troops are not conducting combat operations; West German Chancellor Kohl postpones visit to Israel.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: US envoy Habib and Prime Minister Begin hold 90 minute meeting during which Habib presents Begin with letter from Reagan; Defense Minister Sharon postpones departure to Zaire, takes 100 Herut Party members on tour of Israeli military positions in Lebanon, Sharon meets Saad Haddad in Marjayoun, says any peace agreement will have a role for Haddad as he is trustworthy friend of Israel; Sharon holds afternoon press conference in Kiryat Shemona, simultaneously with official press conference announcing agreement on Lebanon talks agenda, creating tension with Foreign Minister Shamir, Sharon notes de facto normalization has preceded diplomatic normalization, that since Nov. 15, 12,000 people and 1,100 vehicles have entered Ilsrael from Lebanon and 1,100 Israeli vehicles transported goods to Lebanon; Labor Party political bureau approves Histadrut companies involvement in construction of settlements in occupied territories; Energy Minister Yitzhak Modai urges strong posture on US pressure, says control of Judea and Samaria is vital for security; Civil Administration declares as state land 20,000 dunums in Dahariya, south of Hebron, gives Palestinians 21 days to appeal, area planned for land reserve along 1967 green line; 30 Kach members break into Hebron home of Moshe Levinger, demanding that Meir Kahane's Kach settlement nearby receive support and services from Kiryat Arba as does Levinger's group in Hebron.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Chairman Arafat in Moscow press conference releases communique that Soviet Union shows understanding of the PLO position on confederation on the basis of voluntarity between an independent Palestinian state and Jordan; following Habib-Begin meeting, Israel and Lebanon, in talks held in Kiryat Shemona, agree on agenda for talks (including concurrent discussion on "termination of the state of war; security arrangements; framework for mutual relations, including issues such as liaison, ending hostile propaganda, the movement of goods, products and persons, communications, etc.; program of complete withdrawals, conditions for Israeli withdrawal, within the context of the evacuation of all foreign forces; possible guarantees"); Lebanese Parliament delegation visits Amman seeking Jordanian support in talks with Israel.

Arab Governments: Foreign Minister Abdel Halim Khaddam, at non-aligned conference in Nicaragua, says Syria will resist any agreement which does not call for Israeli withdrawal from all occupied territories and does not recognize inalienable rights of Palestinians.

US and Other Countries: Pentagon refuses to sign draft agreement on US access to Israeli military data due to unreasonable restrictions; secret plan revealed for mini-Rapid Deployment Force in Jordan to guard internal stability, respond to emergencies in friendly Gulf States, and possible use in inter-Arab wars; Henry Kissinger says Lebanon crisis has consequences helpful to prospects for peace, shows USSR can supply arms but not solutions, rout of PLO restores US military credibility; Representative Council of French Jewry protests French Middle East policy, says Foreign Minister Cheysson's recent statements show anti-Israel bias, asks government to close PLO Paris office and expel PLO representative Ibrahim Suss.